[Svartalfiar]

I can’t imagine the kind of mental concentration needed, let alone the physical conditioning required to be at her level in her sport. If she says her mind is not in it, I don’t take issue with her decision to withdraw. She really has nothing left to prove....we all know she’s the best in the world right now, and perhaps one of the best ever.

She's been doing this for years, she has plenty of mental and physical conditioning to be able to do it. If her "mind isn't in it", then she should have retired before the Olympics or at least not taken the spot from another gymnast that would have been plenty happy to actually compete. She may be good, but to be the best means you don't just quit randomly.

[ctdonath2]

Being the best also means knowing when you’re not, and getting out of the way for another. She was clearly way off her game, blowing what she should be excelling at. If she knew she wasn’t going to win, let a teammate fill the spot.

I’m intrigued by the “Ritalin” comment above.

[rottndog]

She may be good, but to be the best means you don't just quit randomly.

I don't think she quit randomly....she hit a wall she couldn't climb over, and it just happened to be during the Olympics. Given her life story, I will most certainly give her the benefit of the doubt and take her word for it. And after all the best training in the world, she is still a flawed human being (God forbid), as are we all....as are you. Don't be so quick to judge.

[bigdaddy45]

Please, tell us your experience competing athletically at the highest level in the world. What was it like? Did the pressure get to you? Was your body up to the task? I’m really interested to hear your experience since you clearly have some insight.